10 Hottest Caribbean Escapes

Nothing says vacation like crystalline blue waters, white-sand beaches and luxurious indulgence. That’s why we’re counting down the 21 best destinations in the Caribbean, where vacation is a lifestyle.

Nassau, The Bahamas

Visibility in the water off Nassau in The Bahamas can reach up to 100 feet — and that’s why it’s home to the world’s best diving. Explore the Blue Hole, a natural hole 100-feet across and 200-feet deep full of large schools of fish. Trinity and Piece of Cake caves both have openings large enough to swim through and are home to some large lobsters. There are also countless shipwrecks that have occurred along the reefs surrounding the islands of the Bahamas that make for some very exciting underwater adventures.

The Caves Resort – Negril, Jamaica

Poised on the limestone cliffs of Negril, The Caves is owned by famed music producer, Chris Blackwell. An oceanfront sanctuary featuring 11 exclusive cliffside accommodations, 2 main dining gazebos, private cave-dining and the sexy Cave Rum and Cigar Bar, The Caves is classic Caribbean luxury and the perfect romantic getaway.

Stanford Antigua Sailing Week – Antigua, The West Indies

To pack a little action into your Caribbean vacation, head to the annual Stanford Antigua sailing week. Participants from all over the globe flock to Antigua each year hoping to win what is now considered one of the premier sailing regattas in the world. The excitement of the race combined with the hospitality and beauty of Antigua make for a vacation you’ll never forget.

Jade Mountain – St. Lucia

Jade Mountain is an eco-luxury resort facing St. Lucia’s Twin Piton Mountains. The resort sits on over 400 acres full of biking and hiking trails, not to mention the scuba-diving available at the marine park. Guests here are at one with nature — because there are only 3 walls to every room at the resort. There are no phones, televisions or radios in any of the rooms. It truly is a sanctuary rather than a hotel.

Cap Juluca – Anguilla

Cap Juluca is only minutes from St. Maarten by air or boat, yet it feels completely insulated from the outside world. A self-contained enclave along 2 miles of the most pristine beaches in the world, the resort is a romantic paradise featuring 18 Moorish villas, 5-star restaurants and beautifully landscaped tropical gardens.

Grace Bay Club – Provo, Turks and Caicos

Located on 11 acres of immaculate beachfront, the Grace Bay Club was Turks and Caicos’ first luxury all-suite hotel. The hotel is divided into two sections: the adults-only hotel and a family-friendly villa resort. Each provides private swimming pools and dining experiences to meet your travel desires. New features to the hotel include the Caribbean’s longest bar, luxury Anani spa tents, 100 new chic day beds, a kids’ tree house and the Anacaona restaurant.

The Sandy Lane Resort – Barbados

From the moment it first opened its doors in 1961, The Sandy Lane Resort has been the preferred resort for royalty, celebrities and other members of the elite. A treasured hideaway for the world’s most discerning travelers, the resort combines classic elegance with lavish state-of-the art amenities. Famous for its tranquility, the resort also boasts 45 holes of golf spread out over 3 epic courses designed by Jim Fazio.

La Concha Resort – San Juan, Puerto Rico

For a Caribbean escape that doesn’t require a passport, head to La Concha Resort in San Juan. Originally built in 1958, the resort recently underwent a $100-million facelift. By day, it’s all about the beach and the multilevel infinity pools; by night there are 5 restaurants and bars to fit your every mood.

Raffles Resort – Canouan Island, The Grenadines

Canouan Island is located in the heart of The Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean. Raffles Resort occupies 300 acres of tropical paradise boasting 3 secluded white-sand beaches. The horseshoe-shaped resort surrounds the bay and each of the 156 1- and 2-story villas offer gorgeous views.

Trinidad and Tobago

The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are the birthplace of steelpan and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The islands are rich in biodiversity with more than 430 bird species, 108 mammals and 55 reptiles. Many who visit Trinidad head for Riviere Beach, the premier site for nesting turtles. By:Erica Walsh| TravelChannel.com